CABA Information Series

IS-2008-154: Mobile Broadband in North America and Europe; Change is Key to Continuing Profitability

According to Parks Associates accessing broadband Internet via mobile devices is growing very fast in Europe and North America. The average monthly bill is $37. This provides business opportunities for telecom companies and consumer electronics makers of cell phones, netbooks (small dedicated laptops), and media players (such as mobile TV). Most applications started with texting and some web surfing, and are moving toward streaming video, music, and games. Carriers tend to price by bandwidth offered. Typically, a mobile phone uses less bandwidth than a mobile PC netbook. High charges for bandwidth and for total data transferred can limit growth. Parks recommends more refined pricing policies.